Emily,
First off with the amount of movement at the Regionals you probably won’t be on Reserve more than a few months BUT of course you could be. Ok so keep in mind Reserve rules vary from airline to airline based on the FARs and pilot contracts but we’ll try and give you an idea.
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Again varies but typically it’s 10-12hrs.
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Nope.
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Most airlines have long and short call Reserve. Long call gives you 12hrs, short 2-3hrs. Either of those commutes would be cutting it wayyyyy to close for my taste.
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Like EVERYTHING in aviation the answer is when you gain seniority you gain more control over your schedule. As a new FO you’ll have min control over you schedule so there’s not much maximizing you can do. After a while you can bid your Reserve days off in long blocks so you’d have to commute less. Keep in mind you may find yourself with a line faster than you’ll be able to do that.
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I’d take a look at Tory’s schedule. He IS a First year Regional FO.
Adam